Location Ishikawa Archaeological Foundation
Sasaki Asabatake Site Excavated Artifacts: Stone Amulet Set
- Display status
- On display
- Period
- Muromachi Period (first half of the 15th century)
- Form/Type
- Archaeological material
- Location
- Sasaki-machi (Komatsu City)
The Sasaki Asabatake Site comprises the remains of a medieval village built on the left bank of the midstream of the Kakehashi River.
This set of stone amulets was found in a large earthen pit (more than 4 meters in diameter) from the Muromachi Period. They are natural oval stones (length 8.5 cm, width 4.5 cm) featuring “bonji” Sanskrit characters, which represent Buddha, and symbols of nine characters written in ink. This set is one of only a few of its kind in Ishikawa Prefecture.
Four Sanskrit characters are written on the top half. “Kan” representing Fudo Myoo is placed large in the center, “An” for Taizo Kai Dainichi Nyorai is placed in the lower left, and the “Ban” for Kongo Kai Dainichi Nyorai and “Bei” for Bishamonten are combined at the lower right.
Fudo Myoo, placed in the center, is a Buddha that is said to be the incarnation of Dainichi Nyorai, and is enshrined in the shrine of waterfalls in the Hakusan faith. The large earthen pit was used as a water reservoir and stones were buried within. From these facts, it is thought that followers of the faith wrote on the stones using ink and used them as a spell related to water in rituals for the reclamation of water reservoirs.
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Opened in 1998 as an open facility for the excavation and organization of excavated artifacts and the publication of reports on buried cultural properties (archaeological sites) that convey the history and culture of Ishikawa prefecture, as well as to hold exhibitions and lectures that make use of the results. The exhibition rooms comprise sections organized by theme and era, where you can see and touch precious earthenware and stone tools discovered from archaeological sites throughout the prefecture. In 2001, they also opened the Ancient Experience Area, where you can enjoy learning about the lives and techniques of ancient people. Both adults and children can learn about local history in an accessible and easy manner, while deepening their interest and understanding of cultural properties.
18-1 Nakatomachi, Kanazawa, 920-1336 Google Maps
TEL 076-229-4477 E-mail daihyou@ishikawa-maibun.or.jp
